President Tinubu Swears in New INEC Commissioners and Code of Conduct Bureau Board Members

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the swearing-in ceremony of two new national commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and two new board members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The oath of office was administered before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja, underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening key institutions responsible for electoral integrity and public service accountability.

The newly appointed INEC commissioners are Tukur Abdurrazak Yusuf, representing Katsina State in the North-West geopolitical zone, and Prof. Sunday Aja, representing Ebonyi State in the South-East geopolitical zone. Their appointments are expected to bolster INEC’s capacity to deliver credible, transparent, and inclusive elections across Nigeria, as the commission prepares for upcoming electoral activities.

Tukur Abdurrazak Yusuf, a seasoned administrator from Katsina State, brings a wealth of experience in public service and community leadership to his new role. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance INEC’s engagement with stakeholders in the North-West, a region critical to Nigeria’s electoral landscape. Similarly, Prof. Sunday Aja, an academic and public policy expert from Ebonyi State, is expected to contribute his expertise to advancing INEC’s operational efficiency and electoral reforms, particularly in the South-East.

In addition to the INEC appointments, President Tinubu also swore in two new board members of the Code of Conduct Bureau, though their identities were not disclosed in the announcement. The CCB is a pivotal institution tasked with ensuring ethical conduct and transparency among public officers by enforcing the Code of Conduct for Public Officers as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. The new board members are expected to support the bureau’s mandate of preventing corruption and promoting accountability in public service.

The swearing-in ceremony, held in the Council Chambers of the State House, was attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, senior government officials, and other dignitaries. The event marked another step in President Tinubu’s efforts to fill critical vacancies in government institutions, ensuring their functionality and alignment with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The appointments come at a time when Nigeria is gearing up for significant electoral activities, including off-cycle governorship elections and preparations for the 2027 general elections. INEC, under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has been working to address challenges such as voter registration, electoral technology, and stakeholder engagement to ensure free, fair, and credible polls.

President Tinubu, in his remarks, congratulated the new appointees and urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism in their respective roles. He emphasized the importance of their contributions to deepening Nigeria’s democracy and fostering public trust in governance institutions.

The appointments have been welcomed by various stakeholders, who see them as a positive development in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic and accountability frameworks. Analysts note that the inclusion of representatives from diverse geopolitical zones reflects an effort to promote inclusivity and balance in national appointments.

As the new INEC commissioners and CCB board members assume their duties, all eyes will be on their performance in advancing the mandates of their respective institutions, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.